History Soars Over Boeing Classic Golf Tournament

August 30, 2013 in Community, Commercial

Soaring through a sun-filled sky over the Puget Sound area, two World War II era aircraft recently flew a special mission. A B-25J Mitchell Bomber and P-51D Mustang performed a flyover at the Boeing Classic golf tournament.

The airplanes are part of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection, based in Everett, Wash. The flyover was fitting for a special day at the Classic, as service men and women were honored during Military Appreciation Day.

“These are American classics,” Jason Muszala, Flying Heritage Collection pilot, said of the airplanes. “We consider ourselves custodians of history and we are proud to share that with others.”

The flyover kicked off the final day of the Boeing Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event held each August east of Seattle. The event raised money for the Benaroya Research Institute, which is dedicated to discovering causes and cures for auto-immune diseases.

Both airplanes were built by North American Aviation, a Boeing heritage company. The B-25 bomber was used in a wide range of roles by Allied air forces during World War II. The P-51 is one of the best known fighters in the world. It’s a long-range, single seat fighter that also flew during World War II and other conflicts.

“To be able to operate aircraft like this in honor of the men and women who served our country not only in the past but also in the present is phenomenal,” said Dave Reagan, Flying Heritage Collection chief pilot.